Expert guidelines, meta-analyses, and multiple randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of long-acting inhaled antimuscarinic agents (LAMAs) as an additive medication for patients with poorly controlled moderate or severe persistent asthma. LAMAs play an essential role in blocking acetylcholine binding to muscarinic receptors and reducing bronchoconstriction and mucus production. By adding this medication to other combination inhalers, patients can use a triple inhaler to improve FEV1 values and reduce exacerbations.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMyelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) can present as a cytopenia-often as unexplained anemia. Because MDS can progress to acute myelogenous leukemia, primary care providers should be aware of the signs and symptoms, which are associated with the corresponding cytopenia that patients experience and may include fatigue, infection, easy bruising, and bleeding. Treatment options center on managing related cytopenias.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Physician Assist Educ
March 2023
Introduction: Many physician assistant (PA) programs converted from traditional in-person admission interviews to virtual interviews during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of both PA faculty and applicants to PA programs about the virtual interview process. General perceptions, advantages, and disadvantages were explored.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: COVID-19 has profoundly affected life throughout the world, and it greatly impacted physician assistant (PA) education programs when the virus spread across the New York region 2 years ago. PA programs at Stony Brook University, Hofstra University, and the New York Institute of Technology were located in the epicenter of the pandemic and were forced to transition to online learning during the spring of 2020. The purpose of this study was to explore didactic PA students' perceptions of virtual learning, their mental health status, and the challenges and unexpected benefits they have faced during this historic time.
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